The 4 Best Fans for 3×3 Grow Tents – Right Size Fan Reviews 2023

what size fan for 3x3 grow tent

Photo by Kim Brookes / CC BY

Finding the right fan for your 3×3 grow tent is a must. In recent years grow tents have begun to gain popularity. In part, this is due to changes in the laws in various states, and it is also due to the desire to grow your own food. No matter the reason, the right sized fan is an integral part of any successful plant growth.

We’ve taken the time to look at dozens of different fans in all price ranges, and instead of a single fan for a 3×3 grow tent, we came up with a few that met our standards for performance, size, durability, noise levels, and of course airflow.

These are our recommendations for the 4 best fans for 3×3 grow tents on the market.

Can Filter Group 736748 Can Pro Series Fan

Can Filter Group is arguably one of the top grow tent fan manufacturers. The Can Pro Series 8″ fan is highly efficient and runs quietly. In fact, it is one of the quietest fans on the market and can push up to 863 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) with three built-in speed settings.

The fiberglass reinforced plastic housing (see full specs) makes it durable and resistant to corrosion. The Can Pro Series is perfect for small to mid-size grow tents. The lightweight housing makes it easy to hang or mount in place. This is one of the more expensive fans on the market, but you will find your money will be well spent.

TerraBloom 6″ Inline Fan – 395 CFM Exhaust Duct Fan

Whether you are looking for an air intake or exhaust fan, this one from TerraBloom may be just what you need. It is the perfect size for use in ventilation systems with activated carbon filters that help filter out most grow tent odors. Rated at up to 395 CFM, the fan features a built-in speed control that lets you adjust fan speed from 50 to 100%.

TerraBloom built the speed controller into the six-foot-long grounded power cord, making it easy to use as opposed to a switch built into the housing. At only five and a half pounds, you can easily zip-tie it to your tent’s frame—which makes it among the best fans for 3×3 grow tents for the money.

Hydrofarm ACDF8 Active Air Inline Fan

One of the best features of this 8-inch fan is that the housing is ceramic coated steel. Beyond something hitting the fan, it is virtually indestructible and completely corrosion resistant. While we are looking at the eight-inch version, Hydrofarm offers this fan in other sizes to meet your specific needs.

The ceramic fan and overall design ensure smooth, quiet operation while pushing up to 720 CFM of air. The fan motor bearings are sealed for life and will never need to be lubricated. For those who want to control fan speed, there is an Active Air fan controller available.

The Grow Show Indoor Hydroponic Inline Exhaust Fan

VIVOSUN 4 Inch 195 CFM Inline Duct Ventilation Fan Vent Blower

If you are looking to add ventilation on a tight budget, this 4-inch fan from Vivosun is just what you are looking for. Despite its smaller size, the fan spins at 2930 rpm and can pump up to 195 CFM of air through your tent. It features 4-inch flanges on both sides for ease of installation, and you can use it as an intake or exhaust fan.

At just 30 dB, this is one of the quietest fans available thanks to a unique built-in flow deflector that helps to reduce turbulence. The deflector design also serves to increase airflow due to the lack of turbulence.

Unboxing the #Vivosun 4" 195CFM Inline Ventilation Duct Fan

What to Look for in the Best Fans for 3×3 Grow Tents

Before you rush out and start shopping for fans, there are a few things you should know. Now that you have had the chance to read our reviews, let’s talk about what we looked for in a fan.

Size of Grow Tent Area

To a certain extent, since we have been talking about the right fan for a 3×3 grow tent, this might seem like a moot point. However, you do have to factor in the height of the tent to ensure you will achieve the necessary airflow. You can determine the required airflow by using this simple formula: H (height) x W (width) x L (length) x 1.25.

For example, if your tent measures 7H x 3W x 3L, you would need a fan capable of moving at least 78.5 CFM. However, this number is the least amount of airflow required in your grow tent. There are other factors you must consider before making your decision.

Lighting in Grow Tent

The type of lighting and the amount of radiant heat it produces will also have a profound effect on the fan you choose. For example, if you are using HID lights, they tend to generate a lot of heat. In turn, this would lead to a need for more airflow to help keep the temperature in your grow tent from becoming excessive.

On the other hand, if you are using the latest LED grow lights, they tend to produce far less heat. This type of lighting is not only more energy-efficient and just as useful for growing most plants, but it requires less airflow to maintain a steady temperature.

Fan Diameter

As you have probably noticed, ventilation fans like these come in a variety of sizes. They start at 4 inches and can go to as high as 16. However, for a 3×3 grow tent, you should probably stick with something in the range of 4 to 8 inches. Obviously, the larger the fan, the more air it will be able to push.

There is a caveat here; however, bigger is not always better. While your grow tent does need a certain amount of airflow, it is just as possible to provide too much airflow as it is too little. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the fan you choose should be capable of maintaining the temperature in your tent stable when the lights are on or off.

Fan Materials

While the materials used to make the fan may not seem like a big deal, you need to consider the long term when making your purchase. You need a fan that isn’t going to fall apart in 6 months forcing you to spend more money replacing it. Be sure you look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) seal of approval on any electrical appliance you buy. The last thing you want is to buy a fan that overheats and catches on fire.

Many consider plastic and fiberglass reinforced plastics to be the optimal material as they offer both resistance to corrosion and durability. When working with a smaller grow tent, choosing a lightweight “plastic” fan might be your best choice due to limited space and structural strength.

Some like the Hydrofarm fan above (see full specs) use ceramic-coated steel. This coating will help prevent corrosion if it is not scratched or damaged. The better the housing is protected from corrosion, the less likely you are to have rust and corrosion forming on the electric motor and fan drive. While the fiberglass reinforced plastic fans may be a little more expensive, their durability and longevity outweigh the extra cost.

3×3 Grow Tent Fans – To the Last Puff of Air

It does not take much to grow plants in a grow tent successfully. They need water, light, and of course, continuous air movement. Keeping the air fresh and on the move will help your plants grow bigger and better. There is nothing like the feeling that comes with harvesting plants that you have grown from seeds or cuttings.

However, this cannot happen if you do not have the best fan for 3×3 grow tents. Take your time, do your own research, and then choose the fan that best suits your needs. You will find there are plenty of great fans to choose from, the ones in our review are simply the ones we liked the best.

We hope you have found the information contained in our reviews useful and that knowing what to look for helps you find the right-sized fan for a 3×3 grow tent that meets your needs and your budget!

  • Founder of Mechanical Caveman, Beau is an unrepentant tool enthusiast and, sporting deadlift-callused hands and an incongruous beer belly, all-around macho guy. When he doesn’t know re tools, he consults with his handyman and car-repairman buds to give you well-reasoned and cutting-edge info.

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